Monthly Pool Maintenance

Proper monthly pool maintenance ensures your pool remains clean, safe, and enjoyable while extending the life of the equipment. Here’s a comprehensive checklist for monthly pool care:

Water Chemistry

1. Test and Balance the Water:
   • pH levels: Keep between 7.2 and 7.6.
   • Chlorine levels: Maintain 1-3 ppm (parts per million).
   • Alkalinity: Target 80-120 ppm.
   • Calcium Hardness: Maintain 200-400 ppm.
   • Cyanuric Acid: Ensure 30-50 ppm if using chlorine stabilizers.
2. Shock the Pool:
   • Shock with chlorine or non-chlorine shock at least once a month (or more if heavy usage or after rain).
3. Algaecide:
   • Add algaecide monthly to prevent algae growth, especially in warmer climates.

Cleaning Tasks

1. Skim Surface and Remove Debris:
   • Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris.
2. Brush Walls and Floor:
   • Prevent algae and dirt buildup by brushing all pool surfaces.
3. Vacuum the Pool:
   • Use a manual or automatic pool vacuum to remove debris from the bottom.
4. Clean Skimmer and Pump Baskets:
   • Empty these regularly to ensure proper water flow.
5. Backwash the Filter (if applicable):
   • Perform this for sand or DE filters; clean cartridge filters as needed.

Equipment Maintenance

1. Inspect and Maintain the Pump:
   • Ensure the pump is running properly; clean the pump strainer basket.
2. Check the Filter:
   • Ensure it’s clean and functioning efficiently.
3. Inspect Pool Heater:
   • Ensure the heater is operational if applicable.
4. Examine Pool Lights and Accessories:
   • Check for damage or malfunction.

Other Considerations

1. Water Level:
   • Maintain the water level at the midpoint of the skimmer for optimal circulation.
2. Inspect Pool Structure:
   • Check for cracks, leaks, or other structural issues.
3. Chemical Storage:
   • Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
4. Winterization/Seasonal Adjustments (if applicable):
   • Adjust maintenance tasks based on the season and your location.

Here are product and technique recommendations for effective monthly pool maintenance:

1. Water Chemistry

• pH Balancers:
  • Use pH Increaser (sodium carbonate) if levels are low.
  • Use pH Decreaser (sodium bisulfate) for high levels.
• Chlorine:
  • Tablets: Trichlor chlorine tablets are slow-dissolving and ideal for regular sanitization.
  • Shock Treatments: Use calcium hypochlorite or sodium di-chlor shock products for a quick chlorine boost.
  • Non-Chlorine Shock: Use potassium monopersulfate (MPS) for a chlorine-free alternative.
• Algaecides:
  • Use a polyquaternium-based algaecide for general prevention.
  • For severe algae, a copper-based algaecide works effectively.
• Testing Kits:
  • A liquid testing kit (Taylor K-2006) is highly accurate.
  • For convenience, try digital testers or test strips (e.g., AquaChek).

2. Cleaning Tools

• Skimmer Nets:
  • Opt for a heavy-duty, fine mesh net to catch small debris (e.g., Dolphin Pro Skimmer).
• Pool Brushes:
  • Use a nylon brush for vinyl or fiberglass pools.
  • For concrete or plaster pools, choose a stainless steel brush.
• Vacuum Systems:
  • Manual Vacuums: Affordable and effective (e.g., Milliard Pool Vacuum).
  • Robotic Vacuums: Set-and-forget options like Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus or Polaris F9550.
• Filter Cleaner:
  • Use cartridge cleaner sprays for cartridges or filter cleaning solutions for sand and DE filters.

3. Equipment Maintenance

• Pump Maintenance:
  • Use pump lubricant to keep seals in good condition. Check and clean pump baskets with a brush or hose.
• Filter Cleaners:
  • For sand filters, use products like Sand Filter Cleaner by HTH.
  • For cartridge filters, soak in TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a specific cartridge cleaning solution.
• Pool Heater Cleaners:
  • Scale buildup can reduce heater efficiency. Use a descaling solution like SpaChoice Scale and Stain Remover.

4. Additional Tips

• Debris Control:
  • Use a pool cover to reduce debris accumulation, especially during the off-season.
• Water Clarifiers:
  • For cloudy water, try a clarifier like Clorox Pool&Spa Super Water Clarifier.
• Chemical Dispensers:
  • Consider a floating chlorine dispenser to evenly distribute tablets.
• Solar Pool Covers:
  • These help maintain temperature and reduce evaporation while keeping debris out.

Brian’s Pool Care Offers Solutions To Your Pool Problems

Brian’s Pool Care offers solutions to any pool problem you may be experiencing in Ahwatukee, AZ. Give us a call today at 480-907-7959 for more information or to schedule pool services.